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Published: 2026-03-31
Abstract Views: 0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i3.4578
Issue
Vol. 67 No. 3
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Nguyên , P. T., Anh, T. V. ., Hiếu, P. X., Phong, Đỗ Q., Liên, N. Đình, Hiếu, T. M., Hùng, L. Q., Anh, V. H., Hựu, N. C., Minh, N. N. T., & Bình, N. G. (2026). EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESUSCITATION OF VICTIMS IN ENCLOSED-SPACE FIRE DISASTERS: A CASE SERIES OF 17 PATIENTS AT E HOSPITAL. Vietnam Journal of Community Medicine, 67(3). https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i3.4578

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESUSCITATION OF VICTIMS IN ENCLOSED-SPACE FIRE DISASTERS: A CASE SERIES OF 17 PATIENTS AT E HOSPITAL

Phan Thao Nguyen1, Trinh Viet Anh1, Pham Xuan Hieu1, Do Quoc Phong1, Nguyen Dinh Lien1, Tran Minh Hieu1, Luong Quoc Hung1, Vu Hong Anh1, Nguyen Cong Huu1, Nguyen Ngoc Thai Minh2, Nguyen Gia Binh1
1 E Hospital
2 Le Huu Trac National Hospital - Military Medical Academy

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Enclosed-space fires represent a dangerous medical disaster due to the combined injury mechanisms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, thermal burns, and inhalation injury. 


Objectives: To describe the clinical and subclinical characteristics, injury classification, and treatment outcomes of victims involved in the fire on January 7, 2026, treated at E Hospital, with a specific focus on analyzing the role of early bronchoscopy. 


Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 17 patients.


The disaster response protocol included: triage classification, arterial blood gas analysis, HbCO quantification, and early flexible bronchoscopy. 


Results: The mean age was 22.9 ± 2.6 years; females accounted for 52.9%. Two patients (11.8%) presented with grade III-IV inhalation injuries requiring proactive endotracheal intubation. Notably, bronchoscopy detected soot deposits and airway edema in 82.4% of victims, even in those with initially stable clinical presentations. One patient was admitted in a fully alert state, yet bronchoscopy revealed a grade III injury, leading to successful prophylactic intubation. There was no mortality; all patients were discharged after 3–10 days. 


Conclusion: Enclosed-space fires are associated with a high incidence of occult inhalation injury. Early bronchoscopy serves as the gold standard for risk stratification and decision-making regarding proactive airway management.


Keywords: Enclosed-space fire, CO poisoning, Inhalation injury, Bronchoscopy, E Hospital.

Article Details

Keywords

Enclosed-space fire, CO poisoning, Inhalation injury, Bronchoscopy, E Hospital.

References

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